First Toyota acceleration case goes to trial

The first of many sudden acceleration cases against Toyota Motor Co. is about to go to trial.

The case centers on Noriko Uno, a 66-year-old woman who was killed when her 2006 Camry sped out of control and struck a telephone pole and tree. The sudden acceleration cases have plagued the Japanese automaker since 2009, when it began recalling thousands of its Toyota and Lexus vehicles after many similar crashes.

Although Toyota has settled other cases, Uno’s is the first to go to trial and may determine whether the automaker will be held liable for the acceleration problem. Toyota claims there was no problem with Uno’s Camry—and has said many of these types of crashes were caused by floor mats that trapped the gas pedal and driver error.

Uno’s trial starts today with jury selection and is expected to last about two months. Eighty other cases are also set to be tried in the coming months.